China condemns Japan's push to revise security documents

April 28 (Asia Today) -- China strongly denounced Japan's move to revise its three major security documents, calling it another step toward turning Japan into a country capable of waging war.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular briefing Tuesday that Japan is "rushing down the path of remilitarization" and "once again becoming a source of trouble in East Asia."

"The recent Takaichi administration has been vigorously fostering its military industry and is now openly declaring preparations for a prolonged war," Lin said. "Japan, which historically launched wars, is now escalating so-called tensions. Is it trying to repeat the mistakes of history?"

Lin also noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal.

"In this special year, Japan is not deeply reflecting on its crimes of aggression but is instead again seeking military expansion," he said. "The international community will never tolerate this."

Lin urged "all peace-loving countries" to stay on guard and "firmly stop Japan's reckless moves toward a new form of militarism."

The Japanese government earlier said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi would pursue revisions to three key documents: the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Defense Buildup Program. As a follow-up measure, Tokyo launched an expert advisory panel Monday and began discussions on the revisions.

Sources said Takaichi cited the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, saying Japan needs to respond to new forms of combat and prepare for prolonged warfare.

China also criticized visits by lawmakers from the Conservative Solidarity Association, a conservative group within Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, to Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined.

Lin called Yasukuni Shrine "a spiritual tool and symbol of the war of aggression launched by Japanese militarism" and "in effect, a shrine for war criminals."

"Japan's series of negative moves related to the so-called Yasukuni Shrine openly tramples on historical justice and the conscience of humanity," Lin said. "China is strongly indignant and sternly condemns them."

Clashes between China and Japan now appear to have become a routine occurrence.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260428010009205

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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 7:30 PM.